Energy Policy – Wales

5th December 2018

New legally-binding carbon emissions targets for Wales have been announced. They set the path towards an overall reduction of 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. Because of Wales’ heavy industry like steelworks, power generation and its agriculture, this presents a particular challenge. Ministers want emission cuts through the likes of more sustainable transport and energy efficient buildings to be “at the front and centre” of policies. Emissions in Wales only fell by 19% from 1990 to 2015, compared with a 38% reduction for the UK as a whole. But ministers are keen Wales plays a full part in global efforts to tackle climate change. An action plan with further details about how these much deeper reductions in emissions can be achieved will follow in March.

An effective ban on new coal mines in Wales getting planning permission is to come into effect. The measure is part of the Welsh Government’s new planning policy, published on Wednesday. Applications for opencast and deep-mine coal mining will only be allowed under “exceptional circumstances”. Environment Secretary Lesley Griffiths said the policy will ensure “we have well-designed spaces which will benefit future generations”. It comes after the assembly passed legally-binding carbon emissions targets on Tuesday. Planning Policy Wales governs what councils can allow through planning permission.

Clients have included Greenpeace, Nuclear Free Local Authorities, WWF Scotland and the UK Government’s Committee on Radioactive Waste Management.

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